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AMA GROUP LIMITED — AGM Information 2007
Nov 21, 2007
64372_rns_2007-11-21_f94e22a3-8689-4a30-b106-17f2a628e57d.pdf
AGM Information
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Chairman’s Address
Annual General Meeting – 22 November 2007
I am pleased to welcome you to Allomak’s first Annual General Meeting. This is an historic occasion for a number of reasons.
The first, is our success in realising our strategy of selecting high value companies, in specialist niches, to yield growth opportunities in the $8 billion dollar automotive aftercare industry.
Secondly, the past year has attested to our success in integrating market leading companies, Australia-wide, into the Allomak group.
And, thirdly, of great significance has been the growth of our company since listing on the Australian stock exchange in August 2006. We are now the most diversified automotive aftermarket company in Australia.
Allomak brings significant expertise to the acquisition process. Our strategy of acquiring leading businesses in the sector and optimising their market potential through the investment of capital and good management is being recognised.
Allomak has delivered a total return of over 150% since listing in August 2006.
Our recent $17.0 million capital raising to broaden Allomak’s institutional shareholder base and reset gearing levels was significantly oversubscribed, with applications in excess of three times the total amount of the placement.
The market has responded well in support of our strategy to acquire the best businesses in the $8 billion dollar automotive after-market.
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Allomak has targeted lucrative businesses and brands that are held by owners seeking change. We then leverage the customer bases of companies within the group to extend sales and develop each business.
We also invest in systems and processes to maximise the potential of each business, through operational improvements. And we remove constraints to growth.
We now have a stable of profitable and well established businesses in our group, operating under nine respected brands.
We have now completed the acquisition of Mr Gloss, which currently operates two of Victoria’s leading smash repair workshops, including a high-end vehicle workshop for BMW, Lamborghini and other prestige brands. This is a good example of our aspirations to consolidate the smash repair industry as we position the business as a leader nationally.
On 29 October, Allomak also bought Alanco Pty Ltd, a dominant supplier in Western Australia as an importer and distributor of auto electrical, communications and auto accessories products.
Allomak also has particular strength in automotive services that benefit the environment, with Diesel Test Australia, Dual LPG and the proposed acquisition of LP Gas 1 Australia. These operate in growth markets—both here and overseas—that value the technology and expertise we offer.
Many Allomak companies have their sights on international markets and we are leveraging relationships built within the group to maximise growth opportunities and realise synergies.
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As the Australian dollar has continued its inexorable climb, especially against the US currency, it makes overseas sales more difficult. And with the latest forecast from the Federal Reserve that the slow down is expected to deepen in the USA, I don’t see this trend reversing soon. Offsetting this, however, the exchange rate has assisted our imports which, currently, well exceed our exports.
The group has performed strongly as a result of a number of business improvements implemented across the Allomak operating companies. More than half our earnings have resulted from improved performance and the value added initiatives that were undertaken to optimise returns from newly purchased companies. Clearly, the value of the group exceeds the sum of its parts.
We believe these benefits will continue to flow through in the 2008 year, with strong revenue and profit growth projected.
In terms of growth, since successfully listing on the ASX, Allomak has enjoyed a sales growth of more than 30 per cent over 2006 pro-forma accounts.
Group revenue for the financial year just past was $36.3 million, up 4.3% on the $34.8 million prospectus forecast.
Our forecasts for 2008 are for sales of over $60 million and an EBIT of $10 million. The Company continues to make further acquisitions which have the potential to increase both our sales and EBIT projections.
Our share price has risen substantially, reflecting our intentions to provide shareholders with good capital growth and a solid earnings stream.
With the consent of shareholders here today, we will complete the second tranche of our $17.0 million capital
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raising initiative from institutional investors. We now have a market capitalisation of over $100 million.
If approved by the shareholders today, we intend to close this transaction tomorrow.
This is a significant milestone… one that will enable Allomak to continue to pursue its well-developed pipeline of acquisition opportunities and support our trajectory for outstanding continued growth.
In summary, Allomak has had an outstanding first year and is well positioned to continue its growth—building shareholder value and increasing the capacity of the group to expand.
These results did not just “happen”. They are the result of an extraordinary commitment and hard work by an excellent management team, led by Rob Allan. On your behalf, I thank each one of them for their efforts. I also want to thank the board for its concentration during the year, as we have sought to ensure that this relatively new company is put on a sound footing. As you will have read, John Worton, who was involved at the early stage, has now stepped down, and I thank him for his contribution.
We will shortly be asking you to vote on the election of John Anderson to our board. This is one extraordinary person, and it is an honour, indeed, that he would have selected Allomak as a company on which he would serve as a director.
Looking ahead, profit will be delivered through a combination of organic growth in existing businesses, value added initiatives for companies joining the group and additional acquisitions.
We will extend our leadership position as buyers and builders of best-in-class businesses in the automotive
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aftermarket. We look forward to your continued support as we strengthen Allomak’s position in this sector.
Anthony McLellan Chairman
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